CSUSM Celebrates Asian Pacific Islander Heritage Month

By Whitney Frasier

Asian Pacific Islander Heritage Month |

Photo by Criselda Yee

California State University San Marcos (CSUSM) will be celebrating Asian Pacific Islander (API) Heritage Month through a series of events to bust myths and expand on the history and identity of the API community. All events are open to the public.

“The focus for Asian Pacific Islander Heritage Month at CSUSM this year is Breaking the Mold: Myths, History and Identity,” said Floyd Lai, associate director of multicultural programs for Student Life and Leadership. “The various events throughout April will explore and recognize the fastest growing population in the United States and the issues that affect this diverse group.”

The series of events are intended to challenge stereotypical myths, discuss representation of Asian American Pacific Islanders (AAPI) in the media, celebrate culture through food and performance, and share intriguing stories about the intersections of sports, community and culture.

For more information, contact Floyd Lai at flai@csusm.edu. A full list of events can be found by visiting their website.

Civility T-shirt Day & Asian Pacific Islander Celebration

Tuesday, April 5 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

University Student Union, Arcade and Amphitheater

Stop by educational tables to learn more about Asian Pacific Islander heritage from activists, enjoy special performances and food. Support the Civility Campaign by wearing green or a Civility T-shirt.

Join in on a discussion at the Cross-Cultural Center to your share thoughts and opinions about the misrepresentations of Asian Pacific Islanders in the media.

Sponsored by the Cross-Cultural Center.

Cougar Eats

Tuesday, April 12 from 7 to 9 p.m.

Clarke Field House, 113

Learn to make simple and healthy recipes by following step-by-step instructions with other participants. The menu features spring rolls with locally sourced ingredients, phở, and Thai tea for Asian Pacific Islander Heritage Month. First come first serve. Supplies are limited.

Human trafficking is a serious crime and a grave violation of human rights that is happening all over the world. In partnership with Sexual Assault Awareness Month, a discussion will take place with a San Diego district attorney and community members who work with teens and adults that have been trafficked in San Diego. Refreshments will be served.

Sponsored by Student Health & Counseling Services.

Maligayang Pagdating: ‘Welcome Home’ Pilipino Cultural Showcase

Saturday, April 16 at 5 p.m.

San Marcos Civic Center3 Civic Center Dr., San Marcos, CA 92069

Join the Kamalyan Alliance for a performance about Hazel Dela Cruz. After moving away to the United States as an infant, Hazel lost touch with her Filipino roots and has no knowledge of the language and mannerisms that are part of the culture. In the summer following her high school graduation, the Dela Cruz family decided to visit their hometown of Kalibo, which is a small town in the Visayan province of Aklan. Hazel struggled with her identity as a Filipino-American and used her time in the Philippines to reconnect with her family and culture. Parking is free.

Presented by the CSUSM Kamalayan Alliance.

Conversations That Matter: No, I'm Not Good at Math! Looking Beyond the Stereotype

Tuesday, April 26 from 12 to 1:30 p.m.

University Student Union, Ballroom

Join a conversation to explore the minority myths and hardships faced by different Asian ethnic groups and the future implications of an increasing population of Asian Americans in the United States.

In Football We Trust is an insightful and moving documentary feature film exploring in rich detail the remarkable story behind the Polynesian Pipeline to the National Football League (NFL). With unprecedented access and filmed over a four-year time period, the documentary intimately portrays four young Polynesian men striving to overcome gang violence and poverty through the promise of American football. A discussion will follow.